Dawn Atkins – författare

Looking Queer: Body Image in Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Communities contains research, firsthand accounts, poetry, theory, and journalistic essays that address and outline the special needs of sexual minorities when dealing with eating disorders and appearance obsession. Looking Queer will give members of these communities hope, insight, and information into body image issues, helping you to accept and to love your body. In addition, scholars, health care professionals, and body image activists will not only learn about queer experiences and identity and how they affect individuals, but will also understand how some of the issues involved affect society as a whole. Dismantling the myth that body image issues affect only heterosexual women, Looking Queer explores body issues based on gender, race, class, age, and disability. Furthermore, this groundbreaking book attests to the struggles, pain, and triumph of queer people in an open and comprehensive manner. More than 60 contributors provide their knowledge and personal experiences in dealing with body image issues exclusive to the gay and transgender communities, including:exploring and breaking down the categories of gender and sexuality that are found in many body image issues finding ways to heal yourself and your community discovering what it means to “look like a dyke” or to “look gay” fearing fat as a sign of femininity determining what race has to do with the gay ideal discussing the stereotyped ”double negative”--being a fat lesbian learning strategies of resistance to societal ideals critiquing ”the culture of desire” within gay men’s communities that emphasizes looks above everything elseRevealing new and complex dimensions to body image issues, Looking Queer not only discusses the struggles and hardships of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, but looks at the processes that can lead to acceptance of oneself. Written by both men and women, the topics and research in Looking Queer offer insight into the lives of people you can relate to, enabling you to learn from their experiences so you, too, can find joy and happiness in accepting your body.Visit Dawn Atkin’s website at: http://home.earthlink.net/~dawn_atkins/

Looking Queer: Body Image in Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Communities contains research, firsthand accounts, poetry, theory, and journalistic essays that address and outline the special needs of sexual minorities when dealing with eating disorders and appearance obsession. Looking Queer will give members of these communities hope, insight, and information into body image issues, helping you to accept and to love your body. In addition, scholars, health care professionals, and body image activists will not only learn about queer experiences and identity and how they affect individuals, but will also understand how some of the issues involved affect society as a whole. Dismantling the myth that body image issues affect only heterosexual women, Looking Queer explores body issues based on gender, race, class, age, and disability. Furthermore, this groundbreaking book attests to the struggles, pain, and triumph of queer people in an open and comprehensive manner. More than 60 contributors provide their knowledge and personal experiences in dealing with body image issues exclusive to the gay and transgender communities, including:

exploring and breaking down the categories of gender and sexuality that are found in many body image issues finding ways to heal yourself and your community discovering what it means to “look like a dyke” or to “look gay” fearing fat as a sign of femininity determining what race has to do with the gay ideal discussing the stereotyped ”double negative”--being a fat lesbian learning strategies of resistance to societal ideals critiquing ”the culture of desire” within gay men’s communities that emphasizes looks above everything elseRevealing new and complex dimensions to body image issues, Looking Queer not only discusses the struggles and hardships of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, but looks at the processes that can lead to acceptance of oneself. Written by both men and women, the topics and research in Looking Queer offer insight into the lives of people you can relate to, enabling you to learn from their experiences so you, too, can find joy and happiness in accepting your body.Visit Dawn Atkin’s website at: http://home.earthlink.net/~dawn_atkins/

Looking Queer: Body Image in Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Communities contains research, firsthand accounts, poetry, theory, and journalistic essays that address and outline the special needs of sexual minorities when dealing with eating disorders and appearance obsession. Looking Queer will give members of these communities hope, insight, and information into body image issues, helping you to accept and to love your body. In addition, scholars, health care professionals, and body image activists will not only learn about queer experiences and identity and how they affect individuals, but will also understand how some of the issues involved affect society as a whole. Dismantling the myth that body image issues affect only heterosexual women, Looking Queer explores body issues based on gender, race, class, age, and disability. Furthermore, this groundbreaking book attests to the struggles, pain, and triumph of queer people in an open and comprehensive manner. More than 60 contributors provide their knowledge and personal experiences in dealing with body image issues exclusive to the gay and transgender communities, including:

exploring and breaking down the categories of gender and sexuality that are found in many body image issues finding ways to heal yourself and your community discovering what it means to “look like a dyke” or to “look gay” fearing fat as a sign of femininity determining what race has to do with the gay ideal discussing the stereotyped ”double negative”--being a fat lesbian learning strategies of resistance to societal ideals critiquing ”the culture of desire” within gay men’s communities that emphasizes looks above everything elseRevealing new and complex dimensions to body image issues, Looking Queer not only discusses the struggles and hardships of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered persons, but looks at the processes that can lead to acceptance of oneself. Written by both men and women, the topics and research in Looking Queer offer insight into the lives of people you can relate to, enabling you to learn from their experiences so you, too, can find joy and happiness in accepting your body.Visit Dawn Atkin’s website at: http://home.earthlink.net/~dawn_atkins/

Bisexual Women in the Twenty-First Century reflects the brave new world of bisexual women''s lives through an eclectic collection of articles that typifies an ongoing feminist process of theory grounded in life experience. The book''s broad scope addresses a world created in response to lesbian-feminism, homophobia within the mainstream women’s movement, and sexism within the gay rights movement. The book includes Carol Queen''s memoirs of the swinging lesbian scene in the 1970s, a critical examination of Alice Walker''s novel The Temple of My Familiar, and a look back at the controversy surrounding bisexual inclusion in the Northampton Lesbian and Gay Pride March in Massachusetts in the early 90s. Previous groundbreaking work on bisexuality had to focus on breaking the silence around bisexual invisibility. This collection works from that foundation to explore the complexities and histories of bisexual women''s lives. Bisexual Women in the Twenty-First Century examines:

tensions between lesbians and bisexual women the shifting place of bisexual women in society the use of skin color as a charged metaphor the inclusion of bisexuality into queer theory groundbreaking new work on bisexual youth the creative use of the sacred whore archetype

Bisexual Women in the Twenty-First Century is an essential source of social and political critique, and a vital resource for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of human sexuality, regardless of sexual orientation.

Bisexual Women in the Twenty-First Century reflects the brave new world of bisexual women''s lives through an eclectic collection of articles that typifies an ongoing feminist process of theory grounded in life experience. The book''s broad scope addresses a world created in response to lesbian-feminism, homophobia within the mainstream women’s movement, and sexism within the gay rights movement. The book includes Carol Queen''s memoirs of the swinging lesbian scene in the 1970s, a critical examination of Alice Walker''s novel The Temple of My Familiar, and a look back at the controversy surrounding bisexual inclusion in the Northampton Lesbian and Gay Pride March in Massachusetts in the early 90s. Previous groundbreaking work on bisexuality had to focus on breaking the silence around bisexual invisibility. This collection works from that foundation to explore the complexities and histories of bisexual women''s lives. Bisexual Women in the Twenty-First Century examines:

tensions between lesbians and bisexual women the shifting place of bisexual women in society the use of skin color as a charged metaphor the inclusion of bisexuality into queer theory groundbreaking new work on bisexual youth the creative use of the sacred whore archetype

Bisexual Women in the Twenty-First Century is an essential source of social and political critique, and a vital resource for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of human sexuality, regardless of sexual orientation.

The best thing about turning thirty-five? Having the greatest sex of your life! Now that Sugar Thompson has hit the big 3-5, she knows exactly what she wants. She's got big dreams to take her resort to the next level. But her plans slide off the rails once her business partner, Gage Maguire, targets her as the object of his seduction. Who knew that the simmering attraction between them would lead to sex this hot! Too bad the sensual fulfillment is creating havoc in the boardroom.Their competing goals for the business are spiking tensions between them and driving them apart. Will she be able to stop the best sex of her life from ruining everything else?

Rescuing the family ranch is the only reason Callie Cummings is home. To do that she must face the most infuriating–yet irresistible–man on the planet! Years ago she had an unforgettable fling with Declan O'Neill. And, oh my, can he still fill out a pair of jeans. Watching him strut across a corral is like waving a red flag.With that kind of enticement, how can Callie not be head over heels in lust with Deck again? Steamy sex aside, Callie's visit is strictly temporary. Nothing–and no one–can keep her from her big-city life. But if that's really true, why are thoughts of her and Deck riding into the sunset so tempting?

Where is the infamous Doctor Nite when she needs him? Sure, Brody Donegan acts the obnoxious cable show host when documentary maker Jillian James shines the camera on him. When the lights go off, however, it's the man behind the persona that has her libido working overtime. And once she's had a taste of the real Brody, there is no stopping this fling.But she's promised a network the exclusive on Doctor Nite in her film about bad-for-you bachelors. And the more time she spends in Brody's bed, the more she doubts how bad he is for her. Can she capture that footage. . . and keep the man?

All Chloe Baxter wants for her birthday is one kiss from hottie Riley Connelly. She gets that and more. That one kiss leads to the most amazing one-night stand of her life. Sex with Riley is beyond spectacular. But when morning comes, she's resigned to returning to real life. Except that for Chloe, real life has gotten complicated. Her big job promotion has landed her in the middle of Riley's undercover investigation.Worse, he wants her to spy on her employers. Can she betray the people she cares about for a man she can't keep her hands off? And if survival means choosing between her head and her heart, Chloe's not sure which one will hurt worse if she loses it. . . .

Fantasy #1 Living out her every erotic desire… Boudoir photographer Samantha Sawyer is seeking the perfect guy to help her with a little project — one that involves willing captives. Or experimenting with edible goodies. Or… The tricky part is that the fuzzy face of her dream man has morphed into that of her new assistant, Rick West.Only Rick is on an undercover assignment, and partaking in Samantha's erotic world — enticing as it is — only makes his deception worse. Because once he's tempted, there's no going back….

A lump of coal landed in Sylvie Stark's stocking. Bad enough she's been passed over for promotion, now she learns her new boss is none other than her old love, Chase McCann. No matter. She refuses to let him distract her from her job. Easier said than done. The more office time they share, the harder it is to fight the undeniable attraction, and soon her long-ago wishes are coming true.But their clashes over the fate of the business threaten the festive spirit between them, and one of them could end up on the naughty list. Or maybe this Christmas she will get everything she wants. After all, it is the most wonderful time of the year.

What is this? The '60s? The era of protests, free love and communal living has passed. So when Christine Waters falls for one of the guests at her mother's commune, she wonders if she's stepped into a parallel universe. Sure, Dr. Marcus Bernard's steady logic is a delectable counterpoint to Christine's energetic, do-it-now personality. But is there room in her life for a sizzling romance?Between helping her prickly mother recover and keeping her teenage son from going off the rails, indulging in Marcus seems, well, indulgent. Maybe the magic of that long-ago time still lingers at Harmony House. Because as Christine works to update the place and mend relationships, a vision of her future emerges. One that has more than enough room for a certain doctor.

Kara Collier just can't separate sex and serious relationships. What she needs is a lesson in the pleasures of sex without promises of forever. And who better to teach her than her commitment-shy – and hot – best friend, Ross Gabriel. Problem is, they know too much about each other to actually hit the sheets. Until the night he shows up dressed like a stranger, that is.Soon Kara's enjoying the hottest sex she's ever had…without a single thought of "I do!" What started out as a favor for his best friend has suddenly become something much more. Ross doesn't want to admit his feelings for Kara, though – it might mean changing his freedom-loving ways.But when other guys start showing an interest in Kara, Ross can't hide his thoughts anymore. Now he has to persuade Kara that this seductive friendship can go the distance and that his feelings are very real….

Former stripper Autumn Beshkin is an urban girl eyeing a new profession. To climb this career ladder she's keeping her clothes on and taking an accounting job. Small-town living isn't as exciting as she's used to, but it's only temporary. Then she meets her sexy new boss, Mayor Mike Fields. The attraction between them steams up the office, and suddenly her visit here promises hedonistic pleasure.Luring the conservative mayor into some not-so-mayoral activities isn't difficult for a woman of Autumn's talents. And the results are sizzling! But just as she's eyeing the exit ramp out of town, Mike suggests turning this fling into a commitment. Is he–and his traditional town–really ready for the uncut version of Autumn?

Work hard, play hard. That's Candy Calder's motto. Even so, she never thought impressing her boss– hottie Matt Rockwell– would mean playing harder than ever! Instead of wowing him by working at the beach, they're hitting a sexy festival exploring the subtleties of networking.Worse, Matt's steamy looks are so tempting she can't keep her hands off him! Sex with the boss is not the way to get promoted, so she makes him swear their fun in the sun will end with the holiday. But come Monday, will she be able to put this wild fling behind them?

The same psychic prediction three times is definitely a sign. Even though Esmeralda McElroy is ready to reunite with a man from her past, she doesn't expect Mitch Margolin to be him. Mitch is no longer the sexy musician who once caught her eye. Now he's a conservative, buttoned-down hot guy. So not her type.Still, the steamy way they connect between the sheets is making her see stars. The tricks he does with his fingers are sinful! But out of bed their different views collide. Does that mean he's Mr. Wrong? Is she tempting fate by continuing to sleep with him? Where is that crystal ball when she needs it?

Rescuing the family ranch is the only reason Callie Cummings is home. To do that she must face the most infuriating—yet irresistible—man on the planet! Years ago she had an unforgettable fling with Declan O''Neill. And, oh my, can he still fill out a pair of jeans. Watching him strut across a corral is like waving a red flag. With that kind of enticement, how can Callie not be head over heels in lust with Deck again?Steamy sex aside, Callie''s visit is strictly temporary. Nothing—and no one—can keep her from her big-city life. But if that''s really true, why are thoughts of her and Deck riding into the sunset so tempting?

It''s sizzle at first sight for Jackson McCall when Heidi Fields shows up on his doorstep. There''s something irresistible about her that he''d love to explore. Too bad she''s had a recent run of bad luck and needs his help more than his sexual moves.Or does she?Because Jackson would swear his new roommate is trying to seduce him. Her teasing is so good, he''s struggling to remember that he''s supposed to help her. But when she dangles a no-strings fling in front of him, she pushes him over the edge. Tangling under the covers with Heidi is too hot to stop. Can he persuade her to stay a little longer?

When Kylie Falls agrees to a last-minute date with one of her sister''s clients, she''d never have guessed that a man in need of matchmaking services would be as deliciously hot as Cole Sullivan. Too bad she''s soon on her way out of town for a bigger and better career. Of course, she does have a few weeks and he seems more than open to a brief fling.They both agree their insatiable appetite for each other is temporary--the result of too much work and not enough fun. Except that the more time they steal from their schedules to meet between the sheets, the tighter the sexual tension gets. And with Kylie''s departure looming, Cole makes her an offer she knows she should refuse...even though she''s tempted to accept.

Being out of circulation is not the end ofthe world—it is, however, the kiss of deathwhen you''re an aspiring sex columnist. ForBeth Samuels, who''s not used to letting downher hair, turning the heat up is going to takelots of hands-on experience.She''s off to a sizzling start in her first attemptwhen she meets AJ, a mouth-watering guy wholeaves her with a tell-tale glow and no doubtthat her dry spell is over. After their steamynight together, she knows what it is to be verytruly sexy. Too bad distance separates them andthere will be no repeat performances. Until heshows up at her door, that is!

Kara Collier just can''t separate sex and serious relationships. What she needs is a lesson in the pleasures of sex without promises of forever. And who better to teach her than her commitment-shy--and hot--best friend, Ross Gabriel. Problem is, they know too much about each other to actually hit the sheets. Until the night he shows up dressed like a stranger, that is. Soon Kara''s enjoying the hottest sex she''s ever had...without a single thought of "I do!"What started out as a favor for his best friend has suddenly become something much more. Ross doesn''t want to admit his feelings for Kara, though--it might mean changing his freedom-loving ways. But when other guys start showing an interest in Kara, Ross can''t hide his thoughts anymore. Now he has to persuade Kara that this seductive friendship can go the distance and that his feelings are very real....

What is this? The ''60s?The era of protests, free love and communal living has passed. So when Christine Waters falls for one of the guests at her mother''s commune, she wonders if she''s stepped into a parallel universe. Sure, Dr. Marcus Bernard''s steady logic is a delectable counterpoint to Christine''s energetic, do-it-now personality. But is there room in her life for a sizzling romance? Between helping her prickly mother recover and keeping her teenage son from going off the rails, indulging in Marcus seems, well, indulgent.Maybe the magic of that long-ago time still lingers at Harmony House. Because as Christine works to update the place and mend relationships, a vision of her future emerges. One that has more than enough room for a certain doctor.

Welcome to New Hope, AZNew Hope? Not from where Cara Price is standing. Miles from her destination, a car that won't run and a daughter she can protect only by moving, lingering in this town is not on Cara's plan. And the harder she pushes to leave, the more things conspire to prevent that. There's the slow mechanic…there's the café in need of a waitress…there's its owner in need of a friend….There's also the very tempting Jonah Gold.Cara's plan is all about survival with no room for romance. Yet, Jonah's charm and the easy way they work together has her wanting to make space for him. The promise of what they share is so different from the life she's escaping. Maybe this café, this town and Jonah are all the hope she needs!

Sometimes you can go home againAs the black sheep of her family, Tara Wharton has done her best to stay away. That is until a car accident has a tragic impact on her family. Now she's back in town and looking for answers. And her quest reunites her with Dylan Ryland, her high school sweetheart. Dylan is just as gorgeous now as he was then. She's so tempted to resurrect what they had, but the issues that drove them apart haven't gone away especially the animosity between their families. Yet Dylan seems determined to get past the obstacles, even as her quest reveals secrets that change everything. Because maybe with him she's exactly where she belongs.

Forget Everest…parenting is a real challenge There aren''t many adventures Aubrey Hanson hasn''t tried. But parenthood and domestic duties are definitely not for her. Then her twin nieces are orphaned and suddenly Aubrey needs those skills! There''s one problem—their gorgeous uncle, Dixon Carter. Officially, he''s their guardian and he wants Aubrey involved, just not in charge. Unofficially…well, the spark that caused their almost night together still simmers. In fact, it''s threatening to get out of control and disrupt raising the twins. Aubrey and Dixon can''t keep the attraction a secret forever. So they need to figure out how to be together…with kids!

A year ago Nick Ryder and Miranda Chase shared a steamy night that left more than just a few lipstick marks on his collar. When she didn't return his calls, Nick got the message loud and clear…this high-class woman wanted nothing more from a lowly cop. Yet they've met again, and Miranda needs his investigative talents. He can't refuse the tempting Miranda, but he can stay out of her bed. Or at least try…Miranda struggled to forget gorgeous Nick Ryder— he didn't call and she thought he wasn't interested. Now he's back—as sexy and irresistible as ever— and his hot glances are saying he wants another night. But he keeps insisting that this is strictly business. That means Miranda is going to have to sharpen her lipstick and entice him…because she's not about to let him get away twice!

The sexiest man Cricket Wilde never forgot, Tucker Manning, is now an assistant principal… and her boss! One look at him and this science teacher is dying to test if that long-ago chemistry is still there. But he's gone from Mr. Sizzling to Mr. Strictly-By- The-Book. There's nothing that Cricket likes more than bending the rules, and Tucker's cool facade makes her determined to melt the ice. And after a few stolen kisses, it looks as if his inner hottie is making a comeback.If his little secret gets out, everything Tucker has worked so hard for will come crashing down…including his career plans. Too bad there's no way that he can resist Cricket's wild sexiness. Once they hit the sheets, he's tossing caution to the wind just to be with her. So when word of their private affair leaks out, will Tucker reveal the one thing that will keep them together in bedded bliss?

There aren’t many adventures Aubrey Hanson hasn’t tried. But parenthood and domestic duties are definitely not for her. Then her twin nieces are orphaned and Aubrey wants to step in. There’s one problem—their gorgeous uncle, Dixon Carter.Officially, he’s their guardian and he wants Aubrey involved. Unofficially… well, that spark that caused their almost night together still simmers. In fact, it’s threatening to get out of control and disrupt raising the twins.Aubrey and Dixon can’t keep the attraction a secret forever, but can they agree on how to be a family? One thing is clear—this is the greatest adventure of Aubrey’s life!

Maybe Gabe Cassidy couldn't save his brother, but he can save others like him. Which is why Gabe has dedicated himself to a program that keeps kids off the streets.So it doesn't make sense that he's at odds with Felicity Spencer–the hot principal who's as committed to these kids as he is. It's true that her adolescent connection to his late brother adds a layer of tension to their interactions. And it's also true that the attraction between them adds a completely different kind of tension. One that's getting harder to ignore.When they do manage to work together, they're phenomenal. And when they finally give in to the chemistry, Gabe recognizes that this relationship could be bigger than both of them.